One of my favorite things about good movies is a well developed plot. Gremlins: A teenage boy accidentally unleashes little monsters all over town. Clerks: Two slacker friends share experiences of their lives while at work.

The plot for From Paris With Love: Terrorists.

Believe it or not, that’s essentially what the storyline is for “From Paris With Love”, Pierre Morels’ follow-up to the 2008 Taken. James Reece (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) is tired of his job assisting the U.S Ambassador and is one mission away from finally receiving his promotion to full CIA agent. The final mission requires Reece to partner with the loose cannon American spy, Charlie Wax (John Travolta). What follows fails to deliver in creating a compelling story line with engaging characters. 

The main issue with this film is that the plot never develops. The only explanation as to what Reece and Wax are doing half of the movie is revealed by Wax, while Reece is slightly under the influence, with one word. “Terrorists”. Plenty of people are shot at the expense of Wax screaming one of his many one-liners, but with almost no explanation. Half of the enjoyment of Morels’ Taken was the simple, yet intense storyline. Morel could have ensured a better end result for Paris if he had focused more on the plot rather than just action.

Despite the challenges, John Travolta delivered his  finest performance since Pulp Fiction. Travolta has found himself in some decent movies in the past couple of years, but nothing where he actually stood out and was recognized for his specific character. His interpretation of Charlie Wax is the highlight of an otherwise unsatisfying movie experience.

With the exception of the world’s introduction to Charlie Wax and a few humorous scenes, “From Paris With Love” finds itself without a definitive plot and a repetitive formula all too similar to Rush Hour.